Fast Casual: 2018 restaurant trend predictions from 10 fast casual CEOs

As the year draws to a close, restaurant businesses will be looking to prepare for the new year. With each new year comes an assortment of new industry trends and customer preferences. A recent article in Fast Casual examined the predictions of several successful brands in the restaurant industry.

Technological advances are expected to play a large role in restaurants. From integrating kiosks to establishing entirely automated restaurants, technology is expected to help streamline the ordering process at many businesses.

An increase in brand usage of third-party delivery services is another popular prediction. Jim Mizes, CEO of Blaze Pizza said, "Delivery is the sea change happening in our industry. Get with it or get left behind."

In 2018, it will also be essential for businesses to offer multiple ordering options for their customers. A one-size-fits-all mentality will not suffice as consumer behaviors are evolving.

"We are clearly moving into an on-demand and a stay-at-home economy, and you will have to provide every imaginable outlet for your guest to order your product and for guests to receive your product. Consumers are already shifting behaviors and now expect to receive goods and services where they are and not necessarily where you are located," said Carl Howard, CEO of Fazolis.